Community comes together as Night Light Winter Shelter reopens its doors

The Night Light Winter Shelter has reopened to offer warmth and support for those with nowhere else to turn this winter.

Anyone at risk of sleeping rough across Basingstoke and Deane will be able to access a warm bed, a hot meal and a listening ear at the shelter, which will be open at venues across the borough from 1 December 2025 to 28 February 2026.

The shelter, which can host up to 12 guests per night, will rotate between six local venues and be open seven nights a week from 7pm to 7.30am. Guests will receive a hot dinner and breakfast, with information on where to access a free lunch. Referrals will be made by agencies within the Basingstoke and Deane Social Inclusion Partnership, including Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Julian House.

Project Co-ordinator David Grant said: "The Night Light Winter Shelter is a safe haven for those who are homeless and we're delighted to be running the shelter again."

Last winter, the shelter supported 36 people, who stayed an average of 21.5 nights each and 19 guests were rehoused before the project closed. The project relied on 144 volunteers, who collectively gave over 6,300 hours of their time, with half of these hours covered by just 18 extraordinary individuals.

Guests last year praised the shelter for the warmth and dignity they received. One guest said: "From the minute I walked in, all the volunteers were brilliant. They made me feel welcome straight away... I don't know where I would have been without their help." Another guest added: "The night shelter was safe, warm and respectful. The helpers made me feel dignified at a really uncertain time. One day, I'd like to come back as a helper myself."

The Night Light Winter Shelter is now looking for around 200 volunteers to make this year's project a success. In addition, the shelter welcomes financial donations and smartphones that are in a good condition.

Please do not donate bedding or clothing as these can be taken to the Camrose Centre, Glebe Hall, Church Square, instead.

Homelessness is a complex issue, with each person requiring tailored support to access the right accommodation for them. Support provided by the Basingstoke and Deane Social Inclusion Partnership, such as the Winter Night Light Shelter, offers a first step away from the streets to address some of the challenges an individual may be facing.

Cabinet Member for Residents' Services and Housing Cllr Laura James said: "The Night Light Winter Shelter is a fantastic example of people and groups across the borough coming together to support those in need. It wouldn't be possible without all of the dedicated and compassionate volunteers who have come forward to make the shelter a reality, and we are hugely grateful to them and to all those who have donated to the Real Change not Loose Change campaign."

Find out more and donate at www.realchangebasingstoke.org.uk